Akshay – University of Liverpool
Semester 2, 2024
Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology)
Even though the word, exchange can be interpreted in many ways, for me this word will forever mean adventure.
Pre-Exchange
The application process for going on exchange can feel like a never-ending rollercoaster of anticipation and frustration. While QUT offers plenty of support and resources to help guide us through, the waiting game can still test your patience. To be honest, I didn’t dive as deep into researching universities as I probably should have. My criteria were simple: I wanted an English-speaking country with the chance to see snow—something I had never experienced in real life. My three options ended up being the University of Liverpool (UK), Sheffield Hallam University (UK) and the University of Calgary (Canada) and I for one am beyond grateful that it ended up being the University of Liverpool.
Staying on top of things was simple as the information sessions were useful and if I had any further questions, I could email the study abroad team. I had even made a friend at one of the information sessions going to the same university as me so it was helpful to know that I wouldn’t have been completely alone when I got to the UK.
Another big focus for me was saving up for the trip. I knew that since I was headed to the UK, there was definitely going to be a lot of travelling around Europe, so I worked two jobs to make sure the lack of money wouldn’t stop me from enjoying new experiences. With the added benefits of not having to study semester two here, I had an extended mid-year holiday that allowed me to work a lot more than usual to save up even more.
One of the concerns I had before heading abroad was the unit selections. I’d put in a lot of effort to stay on top of the units I’d be taking, even preparing backup options in case there were any issues with my chosen classes. However, when I arrived, I discovered that due to timetabling conflicts, I would only be able to take three units instead of the four I had initially planned. Naturally, this caused a bit of stress as I scrambled to find a solution.
But looking back, I realize I really didn’t need to worry as much as I did. Both the study abroad teams at UoL and QUT were incredibly supportive, offering me alternative options to make sure everything worked out. In fact, I’m glad I ended up with just three units—it gave me more time to travel and explore, even though it did mess with my study plan when I returned. But hey, can’t have everything line up for me.
And just like that, everything fell into place—the flight tickets were booked, accommodation was confirmed, and before I knew it, I was standing below the departure sign at Brisbane International Airport, ready to embark on a new adventure.
The Experience
This trip marked two big milestones for me—my first time in the United Kingdom and my very first solo travel experience. Stepping off the plane and into the UK, I felt excited to for this new adventure. Everything was a thrill, from the iconic black cabs cruising by, to hearing someone casually say, “Bottla of wata” on my very first day.
My accommodation was conveniently located on campus, so the early morning classes weren’t too much of a hassle. The room itself was simple – a single bed, a closet, a desk, and a bathroom. Yet, despite its simplicity, it quickly started feeling like home. I shared the kitchen and common room with five other people, though I only really interacted and got close with two of them during my stay, one being a fellow Australian from Sydney and another from Ukraine.
The classes at UoL were pretty similar to those at QUT, with a mix of lectures, tutorials, assignments throughout the semester, and exams at the end. However, there were a couple of key differences I quickly noticed. For one, at UoL, you only needed 40% to pass most units—definitely a huge relief for me as an exchange student with a lot of European travel plans on the horizon. The other difference, though, wasn’t quite as exciting. Attendance was taken more seriously at UoL. Each lecturer and tutor would give you a code to enter into the timetable app to mark your attendance. Thankfully, as I was only taking three units, I didn’t have to stress too much about missing too many classes.
As an exchange student stepping into second-year classes at a new university, I was nervous about making friends. I assumed most people would already be settled into their groups, and it might be hard to break in. In some ways, I was right. I didn’t make many friends in the classes I was taking. But what I didn’t expect was meeting people who, from the bottom of my heart, turned out to be far better than I could have ever hoped for.
I crossed paths with so many incredible people from all over the world—whether they were fellow exchange students or locals from the UK. I met them through various events and club activities organized by the university, and I’m so thankful for that. Through these events, I made friends from all walks of life. Some became travel buddies I’d love to explore the world with again, while others were pub friends—those who I could meet up with for a late-night drink, just chatting and laughing. There were also friends who were up for things like cook-offs or game nights. I loved hanging out with all these guys because, without them, my exchange experience wouldn’t have been nearly as incredible.
But if I had to pick one group that really made an impact, it was the group I met at a random society meet-and-greet event in my second week. It was a bunch of people who were already friends, but they still made me feel welcome and somehow made the whole place feel a little more like home.
Don’t get me wrong, I miss everyone I met during my time there, but it’s because of Aathif, Agsith, Janani, Lakshue and Setha that I felt homesick for when I got back to Brisbane. They’re the ones who made sure I never felt alone, and they’re the reason I’m already planning my next trip back to the UK.
As someone who spends a lot of time watching UK-based content—whether it’s YouTubers or films set in the UK—I thought I had a pretty good idea of what to expect when I first arrived in Liverpool. To be honest, though, there weren’t many surprises. It was easier to settle in than I imagined.
Liverpool is often referred to as a “student city,” and for good reason. The place is buzzing with pubs, clubs, and hangout spots where university students gather. While there are families living in the city, the vibe definitely felt more student-oriented compared to Brisbane, where the balance is more family-centric.
One thing that really stood out to me was the city’s nightlife. In Brisbane, most places close around 6 or 7 pm, and if you want to go out, you need to know where to go. Liverpool, however, has a much later pace. Many students head out around 11 pm to hit the clubs, and when they roll back in around 3 or 4 am, there are still plenty of food spots open for a late-night bite. It’s a whole different world when it comes to the night scene.
Another cool aspect is the sheer number of pubs. They’re everywhere, making it easy to pop in, catch a game, and hang out with friends over a drink. It’s got a laid-back, social atmosphere that makes it easy to meet new people.
The biggest difference, though, was the work culture among students. Unlike in Brisbane, where many students balance part-time jobs with their studies, I noticed that most Liverpool students don’t work part-time. While I know a few who do, it’s not the norm. Most students here focus more on their academics and rely on loans similar to Australia’s HECS-HELP to get by.
Overall, the transition to Liverpool wasn’t as shocking as I expected. By the end of my first month, it started feeling like home in its own way and I realised that when I had returned home from my Edinburgh trip. Getting off the train at Lime Street station, I had the sense of familiarity and belonging that I felt when I landed in Brisbane. As someone who calls India AND Australia home, I wouldn’t hesitate to say the same about Liverpool.
Finally, we reach the heart of the journey—the reason I went to Liverpool in the first place: the travel! Being my first time venturing to that side of the world, I had big plans. I was determined to see it all, to explore every corner of Europe. But, as it often goes, reality didn’t quite match up to the dream. By the time I hit my second month in Liverpool, I’d only managed to visit Scotland and Ireland. Don’t get me wrong, they were amazing places, but they didn’t quite fit the “actual Europe” vision I had in my mind.
Fast forward a bit, and I did finally get to tick off some big-ticket items from my travel list. I stood in awe before the Colosseum in Italy—one of the seven wonders of the world. I jumped off snowy peaks in Switzerland, chased the Northern Lights in Norway, and even dodged a few fireworks in Germany. It was everything I’d imagined and more, but what surprised me most was how my perspective changed by the end of my time there.
Initially, I felt like I wasn’t using my time wisely, like I should’ve been visiting more countries, checking off more cities. But by my last month, I’d had enough of scouring Ryanair and EasyJet for cheap flights to yet another country. What I wanted to do was spend time in this new place that I now call home and hang out a bit more with the people I met. And looking back, I’m so glad I spent those final moments with them. Even now, I wish I had more time to spend together.
So, do I regret not visiting more places? Absolutely. There are still so many cities I dream of seeing in person. But at least this way, I know I’ve got plenty of reasons to come back. And honestly, that’s good enough for me.
Post-Exchange
Now I’m back—back in sunny, scorching Brisbane, where it feels like the whole city is melting in the heat. And of course, I’ve caught up with everyone. People ask me how the trip was and what my favourite moments were, and honestly, I struggle to answer. Because if I start talking about it, well, you’re going to need a full day to hear the whole story. And yes, that’s the only option. Every experience I had, every person I met, and everything I learned—each of those things is equally important and deserves its own moment in the spotlight and so, as the nice guy I am, I decide to spare people the rant and just tell them that exchange was a fantastic experience that I’d do all over again.
It’s funny how much those months away changed me, even if just a little bit. I left Brisbane one person and came back another. I learned a bit more about responsibility, how to be more organised, and how to truly be independent. Sure, I’m not a full-fledged adult now, ready to dive into the world of home loans, mortgages, and car insurance—but what exchange did for me was give me a clearer perspective on the type of person I am now and the kind of person I want to become.
As someone studying to be a psychologist, I can’t think of a better or more impactful way to gain a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me than by going on exchange. It’s something I would recommend to anyone. It’s not just about the places you visit or the things you do, though those are definitely important as well —it’s about the things that you learn as well. And for that, I am grateful.
Find out how you can apply for exchange via the QUT Student Exchange website.
